<< Previous Next >>

Pokeberries


Pokeberries
Photo Information
Copyright: David Robert (Dave) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 527 W: 47 N: 674] (2171)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-10-30
Categories: Trees
Camera: Nikon Coolpix S2
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2005-10-31 10:08
Viewed: 784
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Pokeberries of the Pokeweed plant
Pokeweed is generally considered poisonous however the young tender leaves properly prepared make quite a tasty green. The plant and berries are also a food source for wild animals. This website Pokeweed Phytolacca americana provides more information on pokeweed and lists many animals that use it for food.

I usually let one or two plants grow in my yard every year as a natural ornamental. If you have small children, you might not want to do this because the berries can be very attractive and tempting for them. One summer I watched a Pileated Woodpecker hopping around eating the pokeberries from a plant. The bird seemed to be having a good time and appeared to be inebriated from his meal. I've heard in a wilderness survival situation a person can watch what the birds eat to determine what is safe, but as in the case with pokeberries that is not always true. As far as I know, only the tender young leaves properly prepared are suitable for human consumption.

I had difficulty picking a category from the Treknature list for this. Is there a suitable category found in the list that I'm not aware of?

Also, I took two pictures. I liked this one the best except for the leaf in the upper right corner, so I used that area to name the subject. Any workshops showing any creative ways to handle an area like the upper right are appreciated.
marhowie, Luc, petrudamsa has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To LCannon: polk greensDave 1 02-04 13:45
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Great sharpness, color & light David. Well composed frame. I'm not sure about all the categories available off-hand.
One of the first things I learned was shoot, shoot & then shoot some more. Two takes is usually not enough to get it right unless you're either very lucky or very good :-) Great note & link. Well done & Thank you.

Personal assessment of the photo: very good.
Capacity of evocation in me: strong.
Strong visual impact.
Aptness of the photo for the site: excellent.
Personal assessment of the note: complete.
Thank you very much David.

Hi David,
Good shot! I've never heard of pokeberries before. It's a pity they are poisonous. They look good enough to eat :)
I like the composition of your photo, with the berries slightly off to the left. The colours are fabulous. You did well with the top-right corner, putting the title there. Well captured!
Claudia

Hi Dave,

I'll use the opportunity of enjoying this post to thank you for your comments, critiques and advices you gave me for my photos.
I wish you a Merry Christmas. Have a wonderfull time this Holidays!

Regards, Petru

My husband's father used to plant these also to enjoy his favorite "poke & eggs" that he had as a young man growing up in Oklahoma. I didn't know they had berries on them though. He even cooked me up some one day, and although I didn't dislike them, I can't say they're a favorite either. I like the sharp clear showing of the berries in your photo here. The title on the blurred upper leaf was a great idea, well done.

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF